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On the 4th May, a wide variety of societies and cultural organisations will take to our fair streets to provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything exciting York has to offer in terms of creative projects. From belly dancing workshops, operatic performances and Flamenco dancers to Shakespeare readings, morris dancers and drama improvisations, this carnival looks set to provide something entertaining for everyone.
York University's societies such as Drama, Opera and Dance Society will also be making an appearance. Starting with a parade at 1pm from the Minster Gardens, there will be dancing, singing, acting and comedy. The theme of ‘Around the World’, following last year's 'Green' theme, will ensure a perfect backdrop for a range of events from an assortment of cultures and people. The chairman Duncan Piper spoke to The Yorker:
What are your main aims for the carnival this year?
"The main aims are to build links between the university and the city. Through a combination of music, drama and dance, we intend to provide a platform for expression for a wide variety of people and organisations.
"The project originally started in 2004 as MA music student Jess Brand's dissertation project and it has expanded from there. The general impression that we had was that the people of York feel that students make no real positive impact to the city; they just come, do their degrees and then leave. We want to show that it's not like that."
How is the carnival organised and who are your main contributors?
"We have a fantastic group of 12 people working on the project. Before recently, the project was bound to the university but this year it is heavily affiliated with the council. We do however maintain strong links to the university and have their full support in many respects.
"The Vice Chancellor Brian Cantor has donated funds but our main contributor is the Yorkshire Community Foundation who provided our massive initial start-up costs. Though in the beginning it was the Active York and the Shepherd Group that got the project up and running. Organisation has been difficult at times and I've personally taken a lot of responsibility but we have all been well supported and it's been good fun. The project marks the central event of the City of York council's three day Fiesta. It's good to be part of such a brilliant occasion."
In your opinion what will be the highlights of the occasion?
'It is so difficult to say but I think Re:Impressions (5.40 - 6.10pm in Parliament Square) which is a twenty-strong big-band ensemble, will be fantastic. Also, Capoeira (1.30 - 2pm in King's Square) which is a unique Brazilian dance and martial arts act. The Ceilidh should be a lot of fun too."
Why should students get involved?
"This is a really great opportunity for students at the University to head into the city centre and support local groups as well as their peers. York gets accused of being a cultural wasteland with zero diversity. Hopefully this will get people out of their homes and in and around York. So come along and get a taste of what our North Yorkshire has to offer."
To read the official line-up and check out this exciting occasion, click here.
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